[0001] The present invention pertains to a method of manufacturing an albumin enriched fraction
having a reduced prekallikrein activator (PKA) and an albumin containing fraction
having a reduced prekallikrein activator (PKA) obtainable according to the method
of the invention.
[0002] Albumin containing preparations are used as infusion solutions for patients who are
in need thereof. In order to have a more physiological environment liquid substitution
is infused into patients containing not only salts in physiological concentration
but also albumin as extender. Albumin preparations may contain prekallikrein activator,
which may lead to unwanted side effects, which may be due to interference of the prekallikrein
activator in the renin-angiotensin system.
[0003] Véron et al., Biotechnology of Blood Proteins, 1993, Vol. 227, pp. 183 - 188 discloses
a combined cohn/chromatography purification process for the manufacturing of high
purity human albumin from plasma.
[0004] US-A-4,440,679 discloses compositions containing thermally sensitive, therapeutically
active proteins which are pasteurised without substantial loss of therapeutic activity
by mixing the protein composition with a pasteurisation-stabilizing amount of a polyol
prior to pasteurisation.
[0005] Tanaka et al., discloses in Brazilian Journal of Medical and Biological Research,
November 1998, a purification of human albumin by the combination of the method of
Cohn with liquid chromatography. The chromatography fractions are subjected to a pasteurisation
step.
[0006] The object of the present invention was to reduce the PKA content in plasma derived
fractions containing albumin. It was another object to provide an albumin containing
fraction having a reduced PKA value.
[0007] The object was solved by a method of manufacturing an albumin enriched fraction having
a reduced prekallikrein activator (PKA) comprising the steps of:
(a) reconstitution of paste V, (Cohn fractionation)
(b) performing a concentration step of the fraction obtained in step (a),
(c) heating the fraction obtained in step (b) in a range of from 50 °C to 70°C for
a sufficient time to pasteurize the fraction,
(d) filling of the obtained fraction for use and
(e) performing an incubation step under the following conditions for 10 days at 30-32°C
or 4 weeks at 20-25°C.
[0008] In an embodiment of the present invention a second pasteurisation step is performed
after filling.
[0009] In particular, the incubation step is performed at 50 to 70 °C for duration of at
least 5 hours, in particular 10 hours.
[0010] Starting with reconstitution of paste V and optionally addition of filter aids a
filtration is performed preferably with a filter having a pore size of about 0.2 µm.
If necessary, a pH adjustment has to be performed. The pH should be in the range of
7.2 - 7.6. Typically an ultrafiltration to 8 % (w/v) protein content is performed
followed by diafiltration and another ultrafiltration for concentration of the protein.
This leads to protein concentrations of at least 20 %. Then another filtration may
be performed preferably with a membrane having a pore size of about 0.2 µm.
[0011] Stabilizers are added for example 0.08 mmol/g albumin each of N-acetyl-DL-tryptophan
and sodium caprylate, which is followed by a further pH adjustment in a range of 6.7
to 7.3. Adjustment of protein and sodium content is achieved and a bulk pasteurization
is performed preferably in a range of 58 °C to 65 °C for at least 9 hours. This step
is followed by a sterile filtration. The sample is stored less than 2 weeks at 2 °C
to 25 °C. The albumin sterile bulk is subjected to a further terminal sterile filtration
and filled. After the filling a second pasteurization step under similar conditions
as described before can be performed. A further incubation step may be added. After
visual inspection the preparation is ready for storage and administration.
[0012] The method of the invention also provides an albumin containing fraction having a
reduced prekallikrein activator (PKA).
[0013] The PKA content of the albumin of the invention is less than 12 IU/ml, preferably
10 IU/ml, wherein the PKA is determined according to European Pharmacopoeia, Fourth
Edition, 2.6.15, p.147-148.
[0014] The invention is further described by the following non-limiting examples.
Examples
Example 1:
[0015] The paste V is suspended in the 1.6 fold of its weight of water for injections for
> 6 hours at - 2 ± 2 °C. Filter aids are added to the product and the preparation
is stirred for 30 min. The depth filter is prewashed with water for injections and
subsequently with 10% (v/v) ethanol. The solution is clarified by passing through
the depth filter and a subsequent 0.2 µm membrane filter. The filter is post-washed
with 10% ethanol in water for injections. The pH is adjusted to 7.4 ± 0.2 with 3 M
sodium hydroxide solution.
[0016] A protein concentration of 8 % is obtained by ultrafiltration through membranes with
an exclusion limit of 10 kDalton. The concentrate is diafiltered against a ≥3 fold
quantity of 0.5 M sodium chloride solution, followed by a ≤ 3 fold quantity of water
for injections. After the diafiltration, the albumin solution is concentrated to a
protein concentration of approximately 22% by ultrafiltration at ≤ + 15°C. The solution
is clarified by passing through the depth filter and a subsequent 0.2 µm membrane
filter. The depth filter is prewashed with water for injections
[0017] Subsequently 0.0106 g caprylic acid/g protein and 0.0182 g N-acetyl-DL-tryptophan/g
protein are dissolved in 10% (w/v) sodium hydroxide and added to the albumin solution
under slow stirring. The pH is adjusted to 7.0 ± 0.3. The albumin solution is adjusted
to a protein concentration of 200 ± 10g/l by adding water for injections..The sodium
content is adjusted to 150 ± 7.5mmol/l by adding sodium chloride. The solution is
agitated for at least 9 hours at 58 - 65 °C. The albumin solution is sterile filtered
through a sterilising grade filter membrane of a nominal pore size of typically 0.2
µm. The sterile filter is tested for integrity before and after use by' an appropriate
test method as recommended by the specification of the manufacturer. The sterile filtered
albumin is stored at +2°C - +25°C not longer than 2 weeks. The sterile solution is
filled using a terminal 0.2 µm sterile filter under aseptic conditions into depyrogenated
infusion vials, which are closed with sterilised butyl-stoppers and sealed with aluminium
caps. The sterile filter is tested for integrity before and after use by an appropriate
test method as recommended by the specification of the manufacturer.The filling volume
is monitored throughout the filling process. Pasteurisation is done according European
Pharmacopoeia. The final Containers are incubated according European Pharmacopoeia.
Following the incubation period, all vials are visually inspected for particulate
contamination, turbidity, defects of vials and closures. Defective preparations are
rejected. All vials are stored at +2°C to +25°C.
Example 2:
[0018] The paste V is suspended in the 1.6 fold of its weight of water for injections for
> 6 hours at - 2 ± 2°C. Filter aids are added to the product and the preparation is
stirred for 30 min. The depth filter is prewashed with water for injections and subsequently
with 10% ethanol. The solution is clarified by passing through the depth filter and
a subsequent 0.2 µm membrane filter. The filter is post-washed with 10% ethanol in
water for injections. The pH is adjusted to 7.4 ± 0.2 with 3 M sodium hydroxide solution.
A protein concentration of 8 % is obtained by ultrafiltration through membranes with
an exclusion limit of 10 kDalton. The concentrate is diafiltered against a ≥ 3 fold
quantity of 0.5 M sodium chloride solution, followed by ≤3 fold quantity of water
for injections. After the diafiltration, the albumin solution is concentrated to a
protein concentration of approximately 26% by ultrafiltration at < + 15°C. The solution
is clarified by passing through the depth filter and a subsequent 0.2 µm membrane
filter. The depth filter is prewashed with water for injections. Subsequently 0.0106
g caprylic acid/g protein and 0.0182 g N-acetyl-DL-tryptophan/g protein are dissolved
in 10% sodium hydroxide and added to the albumin solution under slow stirring. The
pH is adjusted to 7.0 ± 0.3. The albumin solution is adjusted to a protein concentration
of .250 ±12 g/l by adding water for injections. The sodium content is adjusted to
150 ± 7.5 mmol/l by adding sodium chloride. The solution is agitated for at least
9 hours at 58 - 65 °C. The albumin solution is sterile filtered through a sterilising
grade filter membrane of a nominal pore size of typically 0.2 µm. The sterile filter
is tested for integrity before and after use by an appropriate test method as recommended
by the specification of the manufacturer. The sterile filtered albumin is stored at
+2°C - +25°C not longer than 2 weeks. The sterile solution is filled using a terminal
0.2 µm sterile filter under aseptic conditions into depyrogenated infusion vials,
which are closed with sterilised butyl-stoppers and sealed with aluminium caps. The
sterile filter is tested for integrity before and after use by an appropriate test
method as recommended by the specification of the manufacturer. The filling volume
is monitored throughout the filling process. Pasteurisation is done according European
Pharmacopoeia. The final Containers are incubated according European Pharmacopoeia.
Following the incubation period, all vials are visually inspected for particulate
contamination, turbidity, defects of vials and closures. Defective preparations are
rejected. All vials are stored at +2°C to +25°C.
Example 3:
[0019] The paste V is suspended in the 1.6 fold of its weight of water for injections for
6 hours at - 2 ± 2°C. Filter aids are added to the product and the preparation is
stirred for 30 min. The depth filter is prewashed with water for injections and subsequently
with 10% ethanol. The solution is clarified by passing through the depth filter and
a subsequent 0.2 µm membrane filter. The filter is post-washed with 10% ethanol in
water for injections. The pH is adjusted to 7,4 ± 0.2 with 3 M sodium hydroxide solution.
A protein concentration of 8 % is obtained by ultrafiltration through membranes with
an exclusion limit of 10 kDalton. The concentrate is diafiltered against a > 3 fold
quantity of 0.5 M sodium chloride solution, followed by a < 3 fold quantity of water
for injections. After the diafiltration, the albumin solution is concentrated to a
protein concentration of approximately 22% by ultrafiltration less than + 15°C. The
solution is clarified by passing through the depth filter and a subsequent 0.2 µm
membrane filter. The depth filter is prewashed with water for injections. Subsequently
0.0106 g caprylic acid/g protein and 0.0182 g N-acetyl-DL-tryptophan/g protein are
dissolved in 10% sodium hydroxide and added to the albumin solution under slow stirring.
The pH is adjusted to 7.0 ± 0.3. The albumin solution is adjusted to a protein concentration
of 200 ± 10 g/l by adding water for injections. The sodium content is adjusted to
150 ± 7.5 mmol/l by adding sodium chloride. The solution is.agitated for at least
10 hours at 58 - 65 °C. The albumin solution is sterile filtered through a sterilising
grade filter membrane of a nominal pore size of typically 0.2 µm. The sterile filter
is tested for integrity before and after use by an appropriate test method as recommended
by the specification of the manufacturer. The sterile filtered albumin is stored at
+ 2°C to + 25
6C not longer than 2 weeks. The albumin solution is adjusted to a protein concentration
of 50 ± 2.5 g/l by adding water for injections. The pH is adjusted to 7.0 ± 0.3. The
sodium content is adjusted' to 150 ± 7.5 mmol/l by adding of sodium chloride. The
albumin solution is stored at + 2°C to + 25°C not longer than 24 hours until filling.
The sterile solution is filled using a terminal 0.2 µM sterile filter under aseptic
conditions into depyrogenated infusion vials, which are closed with sterilised butyl-stoppers
and sealed with aluminium caps. The sterile filter is tested for integrity before
and after use by an appropriate test method as recommended by the specification of
the manufacturer. The filling volume is monitored throughout the filling process.
Pasteurization is done according European Pharmacopoeia. The final containers are
incubated according to European Pharmacopoeia. Following the incubation period, all
vials are visually inspected for particulate contamination, turbidity, defects of
vials and closures. Defective preparations are rejected. All vials are stored at +2°C
to +25°C.
Prekallikrein Activator
[0020] Prekallikrein activator (PKA) activates prekallikrein to kallikrein and may be assayed
by its ability to cleave a chromophore from a synthetic peptide substrate so that
the rate of cleavage can be measured spectrophotometrically and the concentration
of PKA calculated by comparison with a reference preparation calibrated in International
Units.
[0021] The International Unit is the activity of a stated amount of the International Standard
which consists of freeze-dried prekallikrein activator. The equivalence in International
Units of the International Standard is stated by the World Health Organization.
Preparation of prekallikrein substrate
[0022] To avoid coagulation activation, blood or plasma used for the preparation of prekallikrein
must come into contact only with plastics or silicone-treated glass surfaces. Draw
9 volumes of human blood into 1 volume of anticoagulant solution (ACD, CPD or 38 g/l
sodium citrate) to which 1 mg/ml of hexadimethrine bromide has been added. Centrifuge
the mixture at 3600 g for 5 min. Separate the plasma and centrifuge again at 6000
g for 20 min to sediment platelets. Separate the platelet-poor plasma and dialyse
against 10 volumes of buffer A for 20 h. Apply the dialysed plasma to a chromatography
column containing agarose-DEAE for ion exchange chromatography which has been equilibrated
in buffer A and is equal to twice the volume of the plasma. Elute from the column
with buffer A at 20 ml/cm
2 /h. Collect the eluate in fractions and record the absorbance at 280 nm (2.2.25).
Pool the fractions containing the first protein peak so that the volume of the pool
is about 1.2 times the volume of the platelet-poor plasma.
[0023] Test the substrate pool for absence of kallikrein activity by mixing 1 part with
20 parts of the pre-warmed chromogenic substrate solution to be used in the assay
and incubate at 37°C for 2 min. The substrate is suitable if the increase in absorbance
is less than 0.001 per minute. Add to the pooled solution 7 g/l of sodium chloride
and filter using a membrane filter (porosity 0.45 µm). Freeze the filtrate in portions
and store at -25°C; the substrate may be freeze-dried before storage.
[0024] Carry out all procedures from the beginning of the chromatography to freezing in
portions during a single working day.
Assay
[0025] The assay is preferably carried out using an automated enzyme analyser at 37°C, with
volumes, concentration of substrates and incubation times adjusted so that the reaction
rate is linear at least up to 35 IU/ml. Standards, samples and prekallikrein substrate
may be diluted as necessary using buffer B.
[0026] Incubate diluted standards or samples with prekallikrein substrate for 10 min such
that the volume of the undiluted sample does not exceed 1/10 of the total volume of
the incubation mixture to avoid errors caused by variation in ionic strength and pH
in the incubation mixture. Incubate the mixture or a part thereof with at least an
equal volume of a solution of a suitable synthetic chromogenic substrate, known to
be specific for kallikrein (for example, N-benzoyl-L-prolyl-L-phenylalanyl-L-arginine
4-nitroanilide acetate R or D-prolyl-L-phenylalanyl-L-arginine-4-nitroanilide-dihydrochloride
R), dissolved in buffer B. Record the rate of change in absorbance per minute for
2 min to 10 min at the wavelength specific for the substrate used. Prepare a blank
for each mixture of sample or standard using buffer B instead of prekallikrein substrate.
[0027] Correct ΔA/min by subtracting the value obtained for the corresponding blank. Plot
a calibration curve using the values thus obtained for the reference preparation and
the respective concentrations; use the curve to determine the PKA activity of the
preparation to be examined.
Buffer A
| Tris(hydroxymethly)aminomethane |
6.055 g |
| Sodium chloride |
1.17 g |
| Hexadimethrine bromide |
50 mg |
| Sodium azide |
0.100 g |
[0028] Dissolve the ingredients in water , adjust to pH 8.0 with 2 M hydrochloric acid and
dilute to 1000 ml with water.
Buffer B
| Tris(hydroxymethyl)aminomethane |
6.055 g |
| Sodium chloride |
8.77 g |
[0029] Dissolve the ingredients in water , adjust to pH 8.0 with 2 M hydrochloric acid and
dilute to 1000 ml with water.
| Production step |
PKA value (according to the invention) |
PKA value (comparative example) |
| After IPBP* and sterile filtration |
3 IU/ml |
n.a.** |
| After pasteurisation in final container |
< 2 IU/ml |
5 IU/ml |
| After incubation |
4 IU/ml |
18 IU/ml |
| Production step |
PKA value (according to the invention) |
PKA value (comparative example) |
| After IPBP* and sterile filtration |
< 2 IU/ml |
n.a.** |
| After pasteurisation in final container |
< 2 IU/ml |
2 IU/ml |
| After incubation |
3 IU/ml |
12 IU/ml |
| Production step |
PKA value (according to the invention) |
PKA value (comparative example) |
| After IPBP* and sterile filtration |
< 2 IU/ml |
n.a.** |
| After pasteurisation in final container |
< 2 IU/ml |
5 IU/ml |
| After incubation |
2 IU/ml |
20 IU/ml |
| *IBPP in process bulk pasteurisation |
| **n.a. not applicable |
1. A method of manufacturing an albumin enriched fraction having a reduced prekallikrein
activator (PKA) content comprising the steps of:
(a) reconstitution of paste V (Cohn fractionation)
(b) performing a concentration step of the fraction obtained in step (a),
(c) heating the fraction obtained in step (b) in a range of from 50 °C to 70 °C for
a sufficient time to pasteurise the fraction,
(d) filling of the obtained fraction for use, and
(e) performing an incubation step under the following conditions for 10 days at 30-32°C
or 4 weeks at 20-25°C.
2. The method of claim 1 wherein after filling a second pasteurisation step is performed.
3. The method of any one of the claims 1 to 2 wherein the pasteurisation is performed
for a time period of from at least 9 h at a temperature of 58 to 65 °C.
4. An albumin containing fraction having a reduced prekallikrein activator (PKA) obtainable
according to the method of at least one of the claims 1 to 3.
5. The albumin of claim 4 having a PKA content of less than 12 IU/ml, preferably 10 IU/ml,
wherein the PKA is determined according to European Pharmacopeia, Fourth Edition.
1. Verfahren zur Herstellung einer mit Albumin angereicherten Fraktion mit einem reduzierten
Gehalt an Prekallikrein-Aktivator (PKA), das die folgenden Schritte umfasst:
(a) Rekonstitution von Paste V (Cohn-Fraktionierung);
(b) Durchführen eines Konzentrierungsschritts mit der in Schritt (a) erhaltenen Fraktion;
(c) Erhitzen der in Schritt (b) erhaltenen Fraktion in einem Bereich von 50 °C bis
70 °C während einer ausreichenden Zeit, um die Fraktion zu pasteurisieren;
(d) Abfüllen der erhaltenen Fraktion zur Verwendung; und
(e) Durchführen eines Inkubationsschritts unter den folgenden Bedingungen: 10 Tage
bei 30-32 °C oder 4 Wochen bei 20-25 °C.
2. Verfahren gemäß Anspruch 1, wobei nach dem Abfüllen ein zweiter Pasteurisierungsschritt
durchgeführt wird.
3. Verfahren gemäß einem der Ansprüche 1 bis 2, wobei die Pasteurisierung während einer
Zeitspanne von wenigstens 9 h bei einer Temperatur von 58 bis 65 °C durchgeführt wird.
4. Albuminhaltige Fraktion mit einem reduzierten Gehalt an Prekallikrein-Aktivator (PKA),
die nach dem Verfahren gemäß wenigstens einem der Ansprüche 1 bis 3 erhältlich ist.
5. Albumin gemäß Anspruch 4 mit einem PKA-Gehalt von weniger als 12 IE/ml, vorzugsweise
10 IE/ml, wobei der PKA gemäß European Pharmacopeia, vierte Auflage, bestimmt wird.
1. Procédé de fabrication d'une fraction enrichie en albumine ayant une teneur réduite
en activateur de la prékallikréine (PKA), comprenant les étapes consistant :
(a) à reconstituer de la pâte V (fractionnement de Cohn)
(b) à réaliser une étape de concentration de la fraction obtenue dans l'étape (a),
(c) à chauffer la fraction obtenue dans l'étape (b) dans une gamme de 50 °C à 70 °C
pendant un temps suffisant pour pasteuriser la fraction,
(d) à remplir la fraction obtenue pour l'utilisation, et
(e) à réaliser une étape d'incubation dans les conditions suivantes pendant 10 jours
à 30-32 °C ou 4 semaines à 20-25 °C.
2. Procédé selon la revendication 1, dans lequel, après le remplissage, une seconde étape
de pasteurisation est réalisée.
3. Procédé selon l'une quelconque des revendications 1 à 2, dans lequel la pasteurisation
est réalisée pendant une période de temps d'au moins 9 h à une température de 58 à
65 °C.
4. Fraction contenant de l'albumine ayant un activateur de prékallikréine (PKA) réduit,
susceptible d'être obtenue d'après le procédé d'au moins l'une des revendications
1 à 3.
5. Albumine selon la revendication 4 ayant une teneur en PKA inférieure à 12 UI/ml, de
préférence 10 Ul/ml, dans laquelle le PKA est dosé d'après la pharmacopée européenne,
quatrième édition.